‘Bastards’: A Raunchy Yet Heartwarming Comedy About Unlikely Twins
Peter (Ed Helms) and Kyle (Owen Wilson) are fraternal twins leading very different lives. Peter, a proctologist, is mired in post-divorce depression, while Kyle, a carefree spirit who’s struck it rich, eagerly anticipates fatherhood. Peter sees the world in shades of gray, while Kyle views it through rose-tinted glasses. Their lives take an unexpected turn when they discover their mother, Helen (Glenn Close), fabricated stories about their deceased father. In reality, Helen was quite the free spirit forty years ago and has no idea who fathered them. Stunned, the brothers embark on a quest to uncover their paternity, unraveling a tangled web of their mother’s past romances.
The script for ‘Bastards’ was snapped up within 36 hours of being pitched to producers, a rare feat for an original work by a debut screenwriter.
Behind the scenes, cinematographer Lawrence Sher, known for his work on the recent blockbuster ‘Godzilla,’ transitioned to the director’s chair. Sher’s background primarily lies in mid-budget adult comedies like ‘The Hangover’ trilogy and ‘The Dukes of Hazzard.’ Thus, it’s no surprise that he chose Justin Malen’s (‘Office Christmas Party’) script, a genre familiar to him, for his directorial debut. ‘Bastards’ is a quintessential Hollywood “adult” farce, brimming with crude humor, absurd escapades, and a touch of sentimentality.
The film begins gently, almost sluggishly, with a visit to a former sports icon. While Hollywood often enjoys lampooning celebrities, Terry Bradshaw, playing himself, proves to be just as affable in person as he appears in the media, and Peter and Kyle have a genuinely good time with him. Fortunately for the film’s comedic momentum, the subsequent potential fathers are far from amiable, and the movie quickly shifts into high-gear farce after the Bradshaw visit.
Fun Fact: The majority of the film was shot back in 2015. Following disappointing test screenings, the film underwent revisions in the spring of 2017.
More Than Just Raunch
While ‘Bastards’ doesn’t quite reach the frenetic energy of films like ‘The Hangover,’ it doesn’t seem to aspire to. At its core, ‘Bastards’ is an optimistic and heartwarming story about two brothers who initially barely connect but ultimately become inseparable, gaining valuable life lessons and resolving their issues. The film opens with the grown-up “kids” bonding with a friendly millionaire and culminates in a heartfelt family conversation filled with tenderness rather than humor. If you’re seeking cynical entertainment, this might not be for you. Although ‘Bastards’ isn’t explicitly a Christmas movie, its spirit aligns with the holiday season, making its January release fitting.
Balancing Sentimentality with Raunchy Humor
Despite the sentimentality, Sher doesn’t abandon the laws of farce. He complements the family moments with jokes about proctology, urination, incest, racism, human stupidity, criminal life, and more. While it’s not a film for viewers who dislike “sappy” moments, it’s equally unsuitable for those who prefer refined and intelligent humor. Nevertheless, the film manages to be raunchy without being repulsive, and its jokes and gags are often surprisingly inventive and hilariously absurd. The film elicits laughter far more often than disgust, which is a significant achievement in today’s cinematic landscape.
Performances
Among the comedic stars, J.K. Simmons, playing potential father number two, stands out. In recent years, he’s transformed from a versatile character actor into a national treasure. In contrast, Helms and Wilson, as the leads, are slightly underwhelming compared to their previous comedic performances. However, their characters’ weariness and lack of energy are fitting, as the film revolves around their emotional rejuvenation.
Final Verdict
Overall, ‘Bastards’ lacks depth and artistic power, and its two-hour runtime might be a bit excessive. However, if you enjoy Hollywood’s blend of crude humor and sentimentality, ‘Bastards’ is worth a watch, despite the negative reviews from Western film critics.